Mr. Stillwater folded his arms, looking keenly into Thurston’s eyes. "Well, of course, nothing would suit us better; but, my dear fellow—is it good for a young married couple to separate so soon?" "No, it is not good." "Then must you go?" asked Mr. Stillwater. Thurston raised his eyes, meeting Stillwater’s piercing glance, steadily. "I must go." Mrs. Stillwater was so overcome with joy at the prospect of having Indiana at home once more, she failed to see anything strange in the arrangement. "Of course, we’re sorry, Thurston, but if you’re obliged to go away, it’s quite natural you should want to leave Indiana with us." "I, for one, don’t like it," added Stillwater, decidedly. "How long do you expect to be away?" inquired Mrs. Stillwater. "For several months—perhaps forever." His voice broke. He turned from them all and leaned his forehead against the mantel, gazing with hopeless eyes into the fire. The others looked at one another in apprehensive silence. "Good morning, everybody," said a gay, sweet voice. They all looked, in relieved surprise, at Indiana, smiling in answer to her greeting. Her cheeks were as rosy as her gown. Her eyes seemed to laugh with happiness. Thurston stared at her, aghast at this apparent heartlessness. "Her eyes have not looked so happy since I married her," he thought. "It’s the prospect of freedom. My resolution was well taken—I’m glad, for her sake. What a charming little face—like a cherub. Ah, if she had only loved me!" Indiana went to Lord Stafford, with outstretched hands. "Dear Uncle Gerald, you want to kiss me good-morning, don’t you? Well, you shall." She put up her mouth to be kissed. Then she flitted airily to Mr. Stillwater, put her arms about his neck and nestled to his breast. "You dear old pop, I love you so!" She rubbed her face against his. "I was naughty last night, wasn’t I? Don’t tell anybody. You forgive me, don’t you? There!" She kissed him a number of times, and then floated out of his arms, a rose-colored cloud, over to her mother. "You old goosie, you were afraid I wouldn’t come home. Why didn’t you take me by the shoulders and push me out? But you couldn’t be harsh with your little Indy, your baby, your only one. I love you so!" Mrs. Stillwater pressed her joyfully to her breast, murmuring caressing words, and kissing her hair. Finally, releasing herself, Indiana looked at Mrs. Bunker, undecided how she should approach her. She had been severely scolded by that lady the night before. Mrs. Bunker frowned at her, then smiled. "You little monkey," she said, then shook her finger warningly. Indiana answered by a good-natured grimace, then she went to Thurston. "Good morning, Thurston," she said, after a swift glance, demurely offering her cheek. Thurston hesitated. "Ah, here’s dear Lady Canning," continued Indiana, artfully, still standing in an expectant position. Thurston bent down quickly and touched his lips to her cheek.